A report into the perilous state of the environment hit the desk of then Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley in late 2021. Possibly realising her government was facing an election in May, the Minister decided not to release it to the public. 

In 2022, the incoming Labor Government released the report, which is grim reading for anyone concerned about the environment.

The report found that “overall, the state and trend of the environment of Australia are poor and deteriorating”.

Along with climate change, the report cites habitat loss and invasive species as issues facing the country’s fauna.

PSA Industrial Officer Michael Sinclair said the report highlights the important roles played by union members in agencies such as the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Planning and Environment (DPE). Further, he said, more needs to be done to support these members.

“We have been in talks with the NSW Government about extending the NSW National Parks system,” said Mr Sinclair. “This will be vital for biodiversity.”

Mr Sinclair said the additional land set aside for species is a good move, but more staff such as Rangers and Scientists will ensure animals are protected.

“We need to maintain fences to keep feral animals out, run breeding programs and control weeds,” he said. “These all require boots on the ground.”